After more than 30 seasons in Major League Baseball, popular umpire Angel Hernandez has announced his retirement.

MLB confirmed his decision in a statement released Monday night.

“Starting with my first Major League game in 1991, I have had the very good experience of living out my childhood dream of umpiring in the Major Leagues,” Hernandez stated.

“There is nothing better than working at a profession that you enjoy. I treasured the camaraderie of my colleagues and the friendships I have made along the way, including our locker room attendants in all the various cities.

“I have decided that I want to spend more time with my family. Needless to say, there have been many positive changes in the game of baseball since I first entered the profession. This includes the expansion and promotion of minorities. I am proud that I was able to be an active participant in that goal while being a Major League umpire.”

Angel Hernandez made his debut as a call-up umpire in 1991 and officially joined the Major League staff in 1993. Throughout his career, he worked three All-Star Games (1999, 2009, and 2017), 12 Division Series, eight Championship Series, and two World Series (2002 and 2005).

Before reaching the Major Leagues, Hernandez umpired in the Florida State League, Carolina League, Southern League, American Association, and Inter-Alliance in Venezuela.

A native of Havana, Cuba, Hernandez currently resides in Florida.

He was one of two MLB umpires assigned to the 2016 exhibition game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban National Team in Havana, where he worked alongside Laz Diaz and four Cuban umpires.

Vanguard News